If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

What do you think of my hunt selections.

This is my first time applying in new mexico and would appreciate any opinions of my hunt selections. I only have 10 days this year to hunt out west and trying to have as many tags in my pocket as possible. Putting in the same units because dont want the possbility of drawing a muledeer tag and an elk tag hundreds of miles apart. Just wanted to know if you guys think i should concentrate on one species or is this a good plan. My ultimate goal is to hunt I am not a Trophy Hunter. I guess what I am worried about is only having one choice for mule deer, I know the odds for elk in the gila are tough I have read the NM Divisions Draw Reports.

Mule Deer: 1st choice/ is going to be unit 16 Archery only
No second or third choice.

If your ultimate goal is just to hunt, why did you select a difficult to draw unit, that is more known for trophy potential? There are quite a few units out there with much better odds than anything in the Gila.

My reasoning was that the mule deer draw odds are not that bad. If I can draw an elk tag within the same season that would be icing on the cake. And the possibility of picking up a bear tag with reasonable oppurtunity to take one. Like I said I know the odds I have read the draw reports front to back. Just wanted opinions if I should just focus on MD Tag or Elk Tag. I know the answer but I wanted to hear some other opinions.

focus on the Deer tag cause unless you apply for Elk with an Outfitter and do a modified drop camp your odds suck. The Elk will be a hail mary shot otherwise.
If you've gone over the reports you know what Elk units you can draw.

I agree with 45, not familiar with 55, 52 is another good one. As far as mule deer go, I'd put in for 2A, 2B & 2C archery, the migration hunt for January 2014 as 2nd & 3rd choices. If you are going to put the money up, I'd have a 2nd & 3rd choice. If your not a trophy hunter & interested in a combo mule deer/elk archery, whats wrong with Colorado? You can draw an archery mule deer tag & buy an otc elk archery tag. Just another option.

I think I am going to put in for 58 mule deer. Colo unit 81 for muzzle elk, still looking at both, trying to do this on my own. If that fails I will ask for help. I don't have any deer PP and 4 Co elk.

As far as harvesting a deer go 45,51,53,and52 are all good. If you are looking for something over 150 the Jan archery hunt in unit 2. Most of these units I have hunted are very brushy and since there are practically no hunts during the rut a 200 inch mulie like everyone wants would be very unlikely. If I were you I would focus on elk or deer but not both.

I think I am going to put in for 58 mule deer. Colo unit 81 for muzzle elk, still looking at both, trying to do this on my own. If that fails I will ask for help. I don't have any deer PP and 4 Co elk.

Good choice, if I had 4 pp in CO thats where I'd apply. I'm going to roll the dice, see if I can draw a rifle elk tag on 2nd choice to build points. I just got one right now. If I don't draw I'll either otc archery or look at leftovers in Wyoming.